Friday, December 2, 2011

Colors of the Season: Blue

For the month of December, my posts will be all about different popular colors associated with the holidays. For my first post, an unexpected but very festive color - blue! Blue is a fantastic color for the holidays, and different shades of blue can be used to convey holiday cheer. Ice blue decorations are reminiscent of ice and snow, two things characteristic of not only the holidays but also the entire season of winter (unless this crazy warm weather keeps up!). Ice blue makes a lovely color for a cardigan to throw over a classic black holiday dress or as a sparkly bag to add pop to an outfit. It also makes a great color for icy decorations. One of my personal favorite ice blue touches are shimmery blue candles: the cool color of the candle compliments nicely the warm glow emitted by the flame. Another great addition is a furry blanket in this chilly color; nothing says holidays like cuddling under a blanket in front of the fire with your loved one(s)! Another great color for the holidays is navy. Navy is a classic neutral that is a little more unexpected than your basic black. It makes a wonderful compliment with another holiday color, red. One of my favorite ways to wear navy is in a classic cut cocktail dress with a red cardigan belted on top. This is a great, simple look for any holiday party and is appropriate to wear to an office party. Jazz it up by adding silver jewelry to add a touch of sparkle. Navy makes a lovely color for a tablecloth on the holiday table, and when you add festive place settings it blends seamlessly into the motif. Bonus: navy won't show food stains! Navy velvet is also a classic texture, and I know I've worn it on more than one holiday occasion. Try out a pair of velvet heels, or even add navy velvet throw pillows to your family room to add a cozy touch. Enjoy the pictures below, and I hope they help you to get as excited about the holidays as I am!

These festive cardigans are great for the holidays (perhaps try one that's a little more fitted). The one on the left reminds me of a sweater that my Mom like to wear during the holidays - hers is red, but it's the same idea =)

 This beautiful blue silk ombre scarf would be beautiful with a black peacoat on a chilly day or over a black sweater.
 A classic plaid scarf in an icy winter blue jazzes up a classic holiday pattern.
I'm in love with this beautiful silk pashmina - it's a beautiful way to add warmth to your favorite LBD (see last week's post).

These blue velvet heels are a beautiful and elegant touch for a holiday outfit - the ones on the top have a shiny silver heel to add a little shine to your step!

I had to put this adorable Hermes purse in here - SO cute, and will hold all your party essentials!

 These and the below candles are my two favorite that I found - they add a festive atmosphere to a kitchen or living room.

These sparkly blue tea lights are TOO CUTE! Scatter these around a room for a little touch of warmth and shimmer.

Two great ways to wear a holiday navy dress.
Top: Take a beautiful cocktail dress to the next level by adding sparkly black, gold and/or silver accessories.
Bottom: Can't you imagine wearing this adorable and sweet outfit to your office party? Think of all the compliments you'll get on your festive holiday look!

A navy velvet blazer is an elegant and classy way to dress up any outfit - even cutoff shorts! (I don't recommend wearing it this way - it woud look great over nice jeans and a blouse or over a sparkly cocktail dress to add a luxe touch).

These adorable velvet pillows will add a warm and festive touch to your living room or family room (or even a study/library!) this season.

I had to throw in this beautiful look that Keira Knightley wears - this ice blue outfit is absolutely fantastic, and although it's a little over the top it provides great inspiration for outfits to come!

And finally...

Christmas Ornament of the week! These beautiful velvet, lace and faux pearl light blue Christmas ornaments will add a beautiful vintage touch to your tree this holiday season!